Overview & Reviews
When the original Honda CR-V debuted in the late 1990s, its mission was simple: to offer a distinct alternative to more mainstream mid- and full-size large SUVs. With its car-based design, economical four-cylinder engine and sedanlike ride and handling, the CR-V was an instant hit. Priced competitively and offering plenty of passenger room and cargo capacity for most people's needs, the Honda CR-V has long enjoyed strong sales numbers and much loyalty from consumers.
Today, the compact- or small-SUV segment has grown to include more than a dozen different models, with varying philosophies of what constitutes the perfect blend of size, power and capability. While some models offer more powerful upgrade engines and others can deliver true off-road capability, the Honda CR-V remains focused on its more practical aspirations. True to form, it is one of the best choices available in the all-important areas of being both easy to drive and family-friendly.
Current Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is offered in familiar LX, EX and EX-L trim levels. Even the LX comes pretty well equipped, while the EX and EX-L get additional convenience and luxury features. The EX-L is also eligible for either a navigation system or a rear-seat entertainment system. You can't get the navigation and the DVD systems together, however.
Powering all CR-Vs is a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that's good for 185 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed transmission. On all models, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.
The newest Honda CR-V's list of merits is a long one. Its interior is intelligently thought out and boasts strong fit and finish. Its ride is more comfortable and quieter than before, and handling and steering remain high points. Its major shortcoming concerns passing power in certain circumstances. We've found the CR-V's acceleration peppy enough around town, but somewhat sluggish during merging and passing maneuvers on gradients. However, as long as your beaten path doesn't include many steep roads or overly heavy loads, the Honda CR-V should provide all the room, refinement and performance you will ever need.
Used Honda CR-Vs
The current, fourth-generation CR-V was redesigned for 2012. Changes were of the more evolutionary sort, as its size, basic interior packaging and engine were similar to the previous model. Key alterations included a quieter and more comfortable ride, additional features and a backseat that flipped down from levers in the trunk.
The third generation of the Honda CR-V was produced from 2007-'11. Compared to the previous-generation CR-V, this one had few key improvements, including a new liftgate (instead of the previous side-mounted door with an outside-mounted spare tire), improved handling and steering, and the option for a navigation system for the first time.
Trim levels included the traditional LX and EX, plus the EX-L -- the L signifying leather upholstery (along with heated front seats). CR-Vs from 2007-'09 made 166 hp versus 180 hp for the following two years. A five-speed automatic transmission was standard across the board, and all trims could be had with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Those looking for maximum luxury in a CR-V should know that the EX-L gained a power driver seat, automatic climate control and a premium stereo for 2008. An SE trim level, which slotted between the traditional LX and EX trims, was made for just the final year of this generation.
In reviews, we've found this CR-V to be a very well-rounded model. High points included a comfortable and sensible interior, top crash test scores and agile handling. Elevated amounts of road noise might be a problem for some shoppers, as would be the engine's modest power, but overall this CR-V should be a great choice for a used small crossover SUV.
Produced from 2002-'06, the second-generation CR-V boasted a number of improvements compared to the original CR-V, including more power, more interior room and improved passenger protection. It was available in base LX or uplevel EX trim. The EX had more features, as well as standard antilock brakes and side airbags for the entire run (the LX didn't get them as standard until 2005), so picking an EX might be a wise idea. Notably, stability control and side and side curtain airbags became standard across the lineup in '05. The Special Edition model, available only in 2005 and '06, included exterior styling tweaks, a hard spare tire cover and heated leather seats and mirrors.
Power came from a 2.4-liter four cylinder rated at 160 hp, though this number dropped to 156 hp in 2006 due to a revised rating procedure. The LX had standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, while the EX was AWD-only until 2006, when a FWD version was also made available. Both LX and EX initially came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, but from 2005 onward the manual was limited to the EX. The other transmission, an automatic, had four speeds until 2005, when it was upgraded to five.
In reviews, our editors lauded the second-generation CR-V's comfortable ride and refined powertrains, though the significant road noise at speed was deemed regrettable. Some of us found the four-cylinder a bit meek, but its smooth power delivery and reasonable efficiency were mentioned as admirable traits. All in all, the second-generation CR-V was roundly praised when new and remains a solid choice on the used-car market.
The original first-generation Honda CR-V compact SUV was produced from 1997-2001. It was priced competitively and offered more passenger room and cargo capacity than its peers. A manual transmission was added in 1998, and a welcome 20-hp boost the following year gave it a new output of 146 hp. In 2000, a leather-trimmed SE (Special Edition) model was added to lead the model lineup.
User Reviews:
Showing 1261 through 1270 of 4,333.00-
My First Honda - 2008 Honda CR-V
By GaryL - February 5 - 7:08 pmI test drove the Nissan Rogue, Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 and decided on the Honda. I really liked the Toyota but hated that exterior spare tire. This is my first Honda but so far so good. Ive got about 600 miles on it and have averaged 26 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving. The seats feel a little firm and the ride could be a bit smoother. Noise level is fairly low. The interior is bigger than it looks from the outside. Im 61" and have plenty of leg room in the front and back. Storage area is generous. This vehicle is perfect for my style of driving which is mostly metro with a couple of long trips a year.
-
Perfect and Practical Car - 2003 Honda CR-V
By R-Z-G88 - February 2 - 10:00 amI bought this car not so long ago, however I am convinced that I wont buy anohter car for a long time to come. The interior is very spacious and also extreemly useful - there are 22 storage compartments. Since it is a Honda it is definetly reliable and durable. The performance is nothing compared to a sports car, but suits the car perfectly. The fuel economy is very reasonable - 23 mpg. It is a very well built and fun to drive car.
-
2003 Honda CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
By hawaiiguy - February 2 - 10:00 amLove it--though have had it just a few months. Only gripe is back window when reversing--difficult to gauge when/if contact will be made when doing parallel parking. Have ordered the backup reverse mirror from hondasuv.com
-
The SUV that set the bar for ALL others - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Jon T - January 31 - 7:09 amThings to take into consideration when looking at the 2016 CR-V EX (middle trim level). Features, Safety and Reliability. The 2016 EX has it all. Smart Key entry, Lane Departure camera, Touchscreen Audio and Personalized Settings, 10way Power Driver Seat (including lower lumbar support adjustment), Tilt and Telescopic Steering, "3" info centers for driver viewing. Not another in its class that is even close.
-
Hard to beat this vehicle! - 2007 Honda CR-V
By D F - January 30 - 9:03 pmWe were looking for a luxury SUV that was elegant on the inside and out, and one that was affordable with all the options. We looked at more expensive SUVs including Volvo XC 90, Lexus ES 330, and others, but nothing compared with the price.
-
MPG - 2010 Honda CR-V
By Diane - January 30 - 6:43 pmI recently bought my 2010 CR-V. I love just about everything about it with the exception of the black cloth interior. Its not very comfortable and shows every speck of dirt. If I had known it was going to collect dirt I would have got leather. Also the gas mileage in town is only 20 mpg consistently. I havent taken on a road trip yet so cant comment on the best mileage it will get.
-
Surprising Value - 2007 Honda CR-V
By zen - January 29 - 8:23 pmWhen compared to other SUVs and crossover vehicles, the CR-V ends up a better value and cheaper than other brands. I am a returning Honda customer, purchased for the reliability and ended up getting decent fuel economy, roomy interior, pleasant ride and the ability to haul around things that wont fit in a traditional car.
-
Love my new car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
By AGanes - January 28 - 3:00 pmWe just recently bought this car for myself to drive with my two young children. I love driving it. It gets great gas mileage. The maintenance minder is very cool.
-
crv rules - 2003 Honda CR-V
By chas - January 27 - 10:00 amthis is my first suv and i love it, i will never go back to driving a car. very comfortable and i like all the compartments.
-
Why I Switched From A Volvo - 2003 Honda CR-V
By Rob911 - January 27 - 10:00 amAfter reviewing all of the features available with the CRV, I decided that this vehicle was best suited for our familys needs. We previously had a Volvo, which would not compare for quaitly Vs. cost per vehicle. We actually purchased two CRVs to replace the Volvo.
